Perth drivers are being urged to avoid key inner-city routes and popular parks next week as Australia's premier cycling competition returns to the city, promising significant traffic disruptions over five days.
Event Details and Economic Impact
The 2026 Westbridge Funds Road National Championships will run from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, transforming central Perth into a racetrack for the nation's top riders. The event is building on a highly successful 2025 edition that attracted over 50,000 spectators, featured 3,000 competitors, and injected a substantial $9.4 million into the local economy.
AusCycling, the event organiser, has a clear message for residents: "Please plan ahead, expect delays and avoid the area if possible." The warning comes with teeth, as authorities have confirmed that towing will be enforced for vehicles that ignore road closure rules.
Major Road Closures and Hospital Access
The championships will cause rolling closures on several major arteries and landmarks throughout the event. Affected areas include:
- Kings Park and Bold Park
- Sections of the West Coast Highway and Mounts Bay Road
- St George's Terrace and The Esplanade
Access to several major hospitals will also be impacted, including Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Mount Hospital, and King Edward Memorial Hospital. Patients and visitors are advised to consult the detailed alternative access maps published on the AusCycling website to navigate around the closures.
City Enthusiasm and Star-Studded Field
Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds expressed the City of Perth's delight at hosting the prestigious event once more. "The event brings world-class cycling to our streets and showcases Perth as a vibrant and dynamic sporting destination," Mr Reynolds said. He highlighted the inclusion of Kings Park and the Northbridge precinct on the circuit as a point of pride, allowing the event to feature the city's natural beauty and cultural energy.
AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner confirmed that the sport's biggest names will descend on Perth, lured by the chance to win a national title and wear the coveted green-and-gold champion's bands. The field includes internationally acclaimed local cyclists Ben O'Connor, Sophia Sammons, and Luke Durbridge. Durbridge's fairytale victory in front of a home crowd last year is still a fresh memory for local fans.
"We invite every sports fan in Perth to join the event this January, not just to watch the racing, but also to take part in all the family and community activities," Ms Fechner added, pointing to events like the AusBike Community Ride.
Event Schedule and Community Festivities
The championship schedule is packed with action:
- Wednesday & Thursday: Time trials at the Perth High Performance Centre.
- Friday: The fast-paced Criterium in Northbridge.
- Saturday & Sunday: The Road Race in Kings Park, with a Gran Fondo event added on Sunday.
Beyond the elite racing, the event will feature a festival atmosphere with food trucks, live music, expo stands, and family-friendly activities, making it a major community event. For specific, day-by-day road closure information, residents are directed to visit the official AusCycling website.
